BRICS Information Centre
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BRICS Information Centre |
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2023 BRICS Johannesburg Summit
Final Compliance Report
Ashton Mathias Pantéa Jamshidi Nouri and Luca B. Rampersad
and the University of Toronto BRICS Research Group
24 October 2024
This final compliance report assesses the compliance of the BRICS members for the period of 24 August 2023 to 18 September 2024. It assesses 10 priority commitments of the 129 commitments made by the leaders at the Johannesburg Summit on 23 August 2023.
Download the full report here. See the scores in Table 3.
We welcome feedback on this report! If you have any comment about our assessment, or if you know of any actions taken by a BRICS member between 24 August 2023 and 18 September 2024 that might affect that assessment, please contact us at brics@utoronto.ca. Please include publicly available evidence of the BRICS member government's actions.
The 2023 BRICS Johannesburg Final Compliance Report, prepared by the BRICS Research Group (based at the University of Toronto), analyses compliance performance by BRICS countries with 10 priority commitments drawn from the total 129 commitments made by the leaders at the Johannesburg Summit, which was held on 23 August 2023.
This report draws on the methodology developed by the G7 Research Group, which has been monitoring G7 compliance since 1996 and adapted for monitoring G20 performance since 2008. The use of this time-tested methodology provides for cross-institutional, cross-member and cross-issue consistency and thus allows compatibility and comparability of the compliance performance by different summit institutions and establishes a foundation for evidence-based assessment of the effectiveness of these institutions.*
The methodology uses a scale from −1 to +1, where +1 (100%) indicates full compliance with the stated commitment, −1 (0%) indicates a failure to comply or action taken that is directly opposite to the stated goal of the commitment, and 0 (50%) indicates partial compliance or work in progress, such as initiatives that have been launched but are not yet near completion and whose final results can therefore not be assessed. Each member receives a score of −1, 0 or +1 for each commitment. (The formula to convert a score into a percentage is P = 50 x (S + 1), where P is the percentage and S is the score.)
* Informal summitry institutions are defined as international institutions with limited membership, relatively low bureaucracy and reliance on open, flexible and voluntary approaches. Regular meetings of the heads of states and governments who engage on a wide range of international, regional and domestic politics stand at the pinnacle of such international arrangements, which involve many actors operating according to established procedures on two levels: domestic and international. Commitments contained in the collectively agreed documents are not legally binding but their implementation is stimulated by peer pressure. Among such bodies engaged in global and regional governance are G7, G20, BRICS, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and others.
At the Johannesburg Summit in 2023, the BRICS leaders focused on five priorities: the African Continental Free Trade, transforming education and skills development, collaboration towards achieving a Just Transition, enhancing multilateralism and achieving the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. The theme was "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." The topics discussed included strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes; global governance reform; strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery; addressing climate change through economic transformation of targeted industries.
For each compliance cycle (that is, the period between summits), the research team selects commitments that reflect the breadth of the BRICS agenda and the priorities of the summit's host, while balancing the selection to allow for comparison with past and future summits. The selection also takes into account the breakdown of issue areas and the proportion of commitments in each one (see Table 1). The primary criteria for selecting a priority commitment for assessment are the comprehensiveness and relevance to the summit, the BRICS and the world. Selected commitments must meet secondary criteria such as measurability and ability to comply within a year. Tertiary criteria include significance, as identified by relevant stakeholders in the host country and scientific teams. Of the 129 commitments made at the 2023 Johannesburg Summit, the BRICS Research Group selected 10 priority commitments for its compliance assessment (see Table 2).
Compliance for the 2023 Johannesburg Summit final report is −0.20 (40%) (see Table 3).
By country, Brazil earned the highest compliance score at +0.30 (65%). China followed with a score of −0.10 (45%), followed by Russia with −0.30 (35%), South Africa with −0.40 (30%) and India with −0.50 (25%) (see Table 4).
By issue, the commitments on food and agriculture received the highest score, with +0.80 (90%). The commitment on protecting cultural heritage education earned the next highest score, with +0.60 (80%), followed by the commitment on mutually recognizing academic qualifications with +0.20 (60%). The remaining commitments achieved 0 or lower compliance, with the lowest for the commitment on peacekeeping in Africa, with −1.00 (0%) (see Table 5).
| Issue Area | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Energy | 5 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | |||||
| Finance | 3 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||
| Climate change | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | ||
| Macroeconomic policy | 1 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 14 | |
| Trade | 1 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 30 | 7 | 21 | 18 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 5 |
| International cooperation | 1 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 30 | 7 | 21 | 18 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 3 |
| Socioeconomic | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||||||
| Development | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 7 |
| Natural disasters | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Food and agriculture | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | ||||
| ICT and digital economy | 2 | 1 | 17 | 3 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 4 | ||||
| Science and education | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 | |||||||
| Health | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 4 | ||||
| Human rights | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | ||||||
| Accountability | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Regional security | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 6 | |
| Terrorism | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Culture | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | |||||||
| Sport | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||
| IFI reform | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Non-proliferation | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 1 | ||||||||
| Crime and corruption | 4 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | |||||
| Environment | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | ||||||
| Tourism | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| International taxation | 4 | 5 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||
| Space | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Inter-BRICS cooperation | 1 | 19 | |||||||||||||
| IGO reform | 4 | 19 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Peace and security | 1 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Good governance | 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Labour and employment | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||
| Infrastructure | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 15 | 31 | 38 | 32 | 47 | 68 | 130 | 45 | 125 | 73 | 49 | 45 | 58 | 162 | 127 |
Notes: ICT = information and communication technologies; IFI = international financial institution; IGO = intergovernmental organization.
| Issue Area | Commitment | |
| 1 | Regional Security: Peacekeeping in Africa | In this regard we support African peace efforts on the continent by strengthening the relevant capacities of African States. |
| 2 | Non-Proliferation: Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space | We reassert our support for ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS) and of its weaponization, including through negotiations to adopt a relevant legally binding multilateral instrument. |
| 3 | Crime and Corruption: Illicit Financial Flows | We will enhance international cooperation through collaborative information-sharing networks, and mutual legal assistance to combat illicit financial flows. |
| 4 | Food and Agriculture: Agricultural Cooperation and Sustainable Agriculture | We also agree to promote consumer protection in e-commerce by advancing the implementation of the BRICS Framework for Consumer Protection in E-Commerce. |
| 5 | Development: African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area | We reiterate our support to the African Union Agenda 2063 and to Africa’s efforts towards integration, including through the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area. |
| 6 | Tourism and Culture: BRICS Alliance for Green Tourism | We acknowledge the urgent need for tourism industry recovery and the importance of increasing mutual tourist flows and will work towards further strengthening the BRICS Alliance for Green Tourism to promote measures, which can shape a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism sector. |
| 7 | Financial Regulation: BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement | We reiterate our commitment to the continued strengthening of the CRA [Contingent Reserve Arrangement] [and look forward to the successful completion of the sixth Test-Run later in 2023]. |
| 8 | Environment: Global Biodiversity Targets | We thus undertake to strive towards the implementation of all the global goals and targets of the KMGBF [Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework], in accordance with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and national circumstances, priorities and capabilities in order to achieve its mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and vision of living in harmony with nature. |
| 9 | Education: Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications | We support the principle of facilitating mutual recognition of academic qualifications amongst BRICS countries to ensure mobility of skilled professionals, academics, and students and recognition of qualifications obtained in each other’s countries subject to compliance of applicable domestic laws. |
| 10 | Tourism and Culture: Protection and Promotion of Cultural Heritage | We agree to support the protection, preservation, restoration and promotion of our cultural heritage, including both tangible and intangible heritage. |
Note: ICT = information and communications technologies; IMF = International Monetary Fund; PPP = public-private partnerships; WTO = World Trade Organization.
| Issue | Brazil | Russia | India | China | South Africa | Average | ||
| 1 | Regional Security: Peacekeeping in Africa | −1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | −1.00 | 0% |
| 2 | Non-Proliferation: PAROS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50% |
| 3 | Crime and Corruption: Illicit Financial Flows | 0 | −1 | −1 | 0 | −1 | −0.60 | 20% |
| 4 | Food and Agriculture: Agricultural Cooperation and Sustainable Agriculture | +1 | 0 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +0.80 | 90% |
| 5 | Development: African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Zone | +1 | −1 | −1 | 0 | 0 | −0.20 | 40% |
| 6 | Tourism and Culture: Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism | +1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | −0.60 | 20% |
| 7 | Financial Regulation: Contingent Reserve Arrangement | −1 | +1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | −0.60 | 20% |
| 8 | Environment: Global Biodiversity Targets | 0 | −1 | −1 | 0 | −1 | −0.60 | 20% |
| 9 | Education: Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0.20 | 60% |
| 10 | Tourism and Culture: Protection and Promotion of Cultural Heritage | +1 | +1 | 0 | +1 | 0 | +0.60 | 80% |
| Average | +0.30 | −0.30 | −0.50 | −0.10 | −0.40 | −0.20 | 40% | |
| 65% | 35% | 25% | 45% | 30% | ||||
| 2023 Johannesburg | 2022 Beijing |
2021 Delhi |
2020 Moscow |
|||||||
| Final | Final | Interim | Final | Final | ||||||
| Brazil | +0.30 | 65% | +0.28 | 64% | +0.06 | 53% | +0.50 | 75% | +0.41 | 71% |
| China | −0.10 | 45% | +0.50 | 75% | +0.28 | 64% | +0.85 | 93% | +0.41 | 71% |
| Russia | −0.30 | 35% | +0.22 | 61% | −0.06 | 47% | +0.65 | 83% | +0.47 | 74% |
| South Africa | −0.40 | 30% | +0.44 | 72% | +0.28 | 64% | +0.35 | 68% | +0.24 | 62% |
| India | −0.50 | 25% | +0.50 | 75% | +0.22 | 61% | +0.60 | 80% | +0.65 | 82% |
| Average | −0.20 | 40% | +0.42 | 68% | +0.13 | 56% | +0.53 | 76% | +0.44 | 82% |
| 1 | Food and Agriculture: Agricultural Cooperation and Sustainable Agriculture | +0.80 | 90% |
| 2 | ourism and Culture: Protection and Promotion of Cultural Heritage | +0.60 | 80% |
| 3 | Education: Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications | +0.20 | 60% |
| 4 | Non-Proliferation: PAROS | 0 | 50% |
| 5 | Development: African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Zone | −0.20 | 40% |
| 6 | Crime and Corruption: Illicit Financial Flows | −0.60 | 20% |
| Environment: Global Biodiversity Targets | |||
| Financial Regulation: Contingent Reserve Arrangement | |||
| Tourism and Culture: Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism | |||
| 10 | Regional Security: Peacekeeping in Africa | −1.00 | 0% |
Note: PAROS = Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space; AfCFTA = African Continental Free Trade Area